Question

Read the following story.

The Lead Role

Travaris had always loved singing, but he was still stunned when he landed the lead role in the School Musical. He could barely wait to tell his parents the news. But when he made his announcement over dinner they looked at each other and frowned.

“You said the performance was the week of May 13?” his dad asked.

Travaris's heart sank period of course. His older sister was getting married in Hawaii that week.

“I'm sorry, but you'll just have to tell them that you can't do it,” his mom said.

The next day at school, Travaris planned to tell Ms. Phelps, that theater director, that she should give his part to someone else because he wouldn't be in town during the performance. But all day he was bombarded with congratulations from his classmates for getting the lead role. He didn't have the heart to tell them that it was all for nothing because he couldn't even be in the play.

Travaris told his mom that he was staying after school to help out with set design, but really he was reading his lines singing the songs, learning the dance numbers, and even getting fitted for costumes. It couldn't hurt to enjoy being the star of the play for a little bit, could it?

But as the weeks went by, Travaris started to feel guiltier and guiltier. He knew that the longer he put off dropping out of the play, the more he would hurt the rest of the cast and crew.

Finally, Travaris told Ms. Phelps how he couldn't be in the musical.

Ms. Phelps thanked him for letting her know. “But don't forget to audition again next year,” she added with a wink.

What is the theme of the story?

(2 points)

Answer 1

Theme: Honesty and taking responsibility. Travaris enjoys the role but feels guilty about lying and ultimately does the right thing by telling Ms. Phelps he can't perform, showing the importance of being truthful and honoring commitments.